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Love Island stars and show host Caroline Flack have shared their heartache at the death of Mike Thalassitis who has died aged 26.

According to reports, the reality star’s body was found in a forest near his home in Essex over the weekend, however it is not yet known how he died.

After his manager confirmed the sad news, many of his ITV2 co-stars and others from the entertainment business poured onto social media to share memories and photos of their mate, as well as their bare shock at his passing.

Love Island host Caroline Flack recently shared a photo of her with Mike, taken at the show’s wrap party in 2017, after he came to fame on the programme.

Mike earned the nickname ‘muggy’ after getting close to Olivia Attwood on the dating show, despite her seeing Chris Hughes at the time – and Chris himself took a moment to defend him over his ‘Muggy’ nickname.

‘His name wasn’t Muggy Mike. Please stop brandishing that,’ he tweeted. ‘His name was Mike Thalassitis, and every inch of my heart goes out to his family & friends.

‘A good guy, taken far, far to soon.’

Former Towie star Joey Essex shared his memories of Mike, saying he was devastated by the news.

‘People might of known him as muggy but he was far from that, he had a huge heart and was a very down to earth boy,’ he wrote. ‘Devastated is not the word, my love goes out to all of Mike Thalassitis family.’

Celebrity Big Brother Bit On The Side host Rylan Clark-Neal echoed the tributes to the late star, as he took to social media.

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Rylan said: ‘Jesus that’s such news about Mike. RIP’

Mike appeared on Love Island in 2017 (Picture: Rex Features)

Mike’s Love Island co-star Amber Davies tweeted: ‘I am in utter shock. @MikeThalassitis you were one of the most genuine guy! I just can’t believe this! You’ll be missed so much you have no idea’.

Fellow islander Zara Holland led messages of condolence after the news broke, posting: ‘This is so so sad, thoughts are with Mikes friends and family.’

And Dr Alex George, who starred on 2018’s series, said: ‘Devastated to hear of the passing of Mike Thalassitis. My heart goes out to friends and family.’

His former club, Chelmsford City FC, added: ‘The Club are saddened to hear the news of the passing of former #Clarets striker Mike Thalassitis.

‘Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends at this time. #ClaretTogether (sic).’

Dancing On Ice presenter and Mike’s Love Island co-star Kem Cetinay also took to social media to share his heartbreak.

He said: ‘Such heartbreaking news. My thoughts go out to all of Mikes friends and family’.